state of israel. a few people have such far- reaching and positive impacts on israeli security and prosperity. i have to say on that u.s.- isreali relationship, it is the strongest -- the relationship between the united states and israel is stronger than any time in history based on our relationship and based on the assistance that we are providing. because of his lifetime public service, whether as a young commander or chief of the general staff or as prime minister or minister of defense, i believe that israeli people are safer and more secure. in no small part because it is determined advocacy, the u.s.- isreali relationship is stronger than it ever has been. that relationship is grounded on shared values. the values that we have as nations is based on the ironclad commitment of the united states to israel's security. a lot of that was the focus of our discussions today. in our meeting today, minister barak and i reviewed efforts to -- protect israel from missiles from the gaza strip. clear,sident